Twenty-Third
:Chapter Twenty-Three:

     "What the hell did you say to Jeongguk?" The next day came sooner than later and apparently not only was Newbie a jerk, he was also a snitch.

"What ever must you be talking about, Seok?" Taehyung decided to play this one off, digging through his locker for his Korean literature notebook.

Hoseok huffed. "What did you say to Jeongguk? He was pissed when I went by later on yesterday, after I told you to see him."

"Oh, yeah." Taehyung hummed vaguely.

"Yeah what?" Asked the older of the two.

"I just mentioned that he was going to be sat out for the rest of the season. No biggie." The captain shrugged lamely, pulling out his yellow notebook and slipping it into his book bag. Lockers were pointless.

There was a moment of silence, Hoseok trying to process what Taehyung said. "You rubbed it in his face? The thing Jeongguk thought you were trying to do the very first time?"

"I didn't rub-"

"Yes you did. You rubbed it in his face that you're going to be the pitcher and Jeongguk can't do nothing but watch from the sidelines." Hoseok cut him off, not believing the childish behavior.

"Well, did he tell you how rude he was being to me? Maybe if he didn't call me a little bitch and insult me so much, I wouldn't have said it. He should think before he speaks." Taehyung was so sick of everything being turned on him. It was as if whatever happened, it always ended up being his fault. "He's wrong too, ya know."

"I do know that and Jeongguk told me on how it was back and forth but he also said it wasn't as . . . What's the word? Harsh?" He stumbled over his words but shook it off. "He said it wasn't as rude as it usually is."

"That's because he's hurt and with all the trauma, his comebacks have been weaker than usual. He's just trying to paint me out to be the bad guy." Taehyung told honestly, slinging his bag over his shoulder and closing up his locker. "He's manipulative too I suppose."

"Now you're just being dramatic." Hoseok sighed, walking with Taehyung as they began heading to their next class together.

"No, not really, he's making it seem like he didn't do shit back. If he can talk the talk with a coma, he better walk the walk too." Taehyung claimed with a shrug, not thinking he did much wrong.

"Whatever, Taehyung." Hoseok decided that would be the end of that conversation. "Ready for the game? You better have your pitch in order because I'm not trying to lose."

"Don't worry, Seok. You don't put enough faith in me." Taehyung rolled his eyes.

"You never give me enough reason to put any faith in you." And with that comment, Hoseok received a nudge to his side, both boys sharing a good laugh together, one that was truly missed.

***

As prepared as Taehyung thought he was, he was definitely nervous. He hasn't once played the pitcher position and was covering for their starter who undeniably was a hell of a pitcher.

They had to win this game. They currently qualified for the championship and if Taehyung lost it for them, it was a lot slimmer of a chance to get in; harder for them.

They had a win-to-loss record of nine to two. That meant that the team had won nine of the eleven games they played. Not all of those games were documented in the story but for obvious reason that it would just take too long.

The whole team was nervous alongside Taehyung, being quite wary of the game. Not only did they have a backup pitcher and first basemen, they also were going against an undefeated baseball team which meant they were good. Beyond good.

It was going to make everyone sit on the edge of their seat, make everyone bite off their nails with anxiousness.

     "Taehyung, Hoseok!" Coach called, needing the captain and co-captain to talk to the other teams' captains. It was for respect and 'fair play'.

Both boys shared a look before they headed over, walking with their Coach to home base, the umpires standing around them to join in on the conversation.

"Gentlemen, I want a fair and clean game, no fighting or bickering." The old umpire spoke, giving a slight nod. "You will be sat out if you back talk, argue, curse, or for even foul play. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." The boys said in sync, nodding collectively that they understood.

"Good." The umpire spoke.

The Panthers' Coach started talking now. "Taehyung, Hoseok, this is Jiho and Doyun. They are the captains for the Red Knights." He introduced.

Hoseok stuck his hand out and shook both their hands, offering a sweet smile but it wasn't returned. He then pulled his hand back and looked over at Taehyung who was looking them both up and down to see if he could notice a weak spot.

This team was known for dirty plays so anything that would help put a stop to them was great.

"Return to your teams." The other umpire told, the coaches and captains taking their leave.

"They're going to play so dirty." Taehyung uttered, shaking his head. "We better be prepared."

"This is the first game I wish I could sit out in." Hoseok commented. "I'm not ready to play."

"No one is but we have to not be doubtful." Taehyung said finally, walking to the rest of his team and making them gather around in a circle.

They didn't notice Jeongguk making his way down with a thick pair of sunglasses and a bucket hat. He still got sensitive with bright lights, it causing his head to ache but when he shielded his eyes like so, it wasn't anything too bad.

He wanted to be there for support and to see how well the team would do against a school like this.

Plus, he wanted to make fun of Kim for when he would cost the game and lose it for his team. He was still pissed about being insulted the way he was; being mocked for having to sit out for most likely the rest of the season.

It hurt knowing he wouldn't be able to participate anymore than what he was doing now. At least he could watch Kim mess it all up.

With that, the team was pep talked by Taehyung, being told to not give up or feel intimidated. They were told to be positive and to give it their absolute all. They weren't going down without a fight.

"Oh, look!" Hoseok called. "It's Jeongguk! We missed you!" And just like that, the team was crowded around Jeongguk asking if he were okay and how he was.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, getting on his baseball cap to keep the sun out of his own eyes and soon slipped on his mitt. He wasn't worried about Jeongguk and didn't even care that he was here.

So what. The boy was fine, a small concussion.

A concussion that would force him to sit out for the rest of the season.

Taehyung sighed. He knew what he said was harsh and uncalled for but at the same time, after all that Jeongguk did and said, Taehyung was forced to believe he deserved it.

"How many stitches did you get?"

"How long are you going to sit out for?"

"Does it still hurt?"

And more questions were asked, bombarding the injured player. Jeongguk kindly answered them and backed away when he needed to, taking a seat in the dugout so he didn't have to stand in the sun.

Taehyung rolled his eyes and huffed, getting annoyed more and more. "Guys! We have a game to play! Leave Newbie alone!" He called out to his teammates who seemed to not give a shit on what he was saying.

That was until Hoseok yelled at them too for the same reason, making them leave the dugout and get their mitts and face gear.

Annoyance is what Taehyung felt. There was no reason for Jeongguk to be here, it would just hurt his pride and his ego being at a game he could no longer participate in.

But Jeongguk was known for making questionable decisions so this was nothing out of the ordinary.

Taehyung shook away the thoughts and picked up a baseball, heading out to his spot and stretching out his arm just a bit more.

Ever since hearing he was going to be the pitcher from now on, he was practicing until his arm ached and he physically couldn't throw anymore. He wanted to wow his Coach and his teammates, amaze them, surprise them, something to show he could do it.

But that didn't mean he wasn't at all nervous. He was scared straight, feeling the pressure.

Hoseok looked back at Jeongguk who had his arms lazily crossed over his chest as he leaned back.

"Root for him, 'kay? He's trying his best and he does care that you can't pitch right now." Hoseok said, not giving Jeongguk time to speak, he just left to head out into left field.

Jeongguk sighed, looking at Kim and seeing how anxious he seemed to be. It wasn't a good look and easy to spot.

Then, the umpire signaled for Taehyung to start and the baseball game was officially on.

Jeongguk watched from the dugout, watching Taehyung pitch and seeing the batters miss or hit it up.

The backup first baseman was a freshman, definitely not used to being in that position and trying his hardest to keep up. He was doing his absolute best because he was pressured just as much as Taehyung was.

It was definitely a struggle and hard to watch at some points of the game.

     Next thing everyone knew, it was the fourth inning, Red Knights tied with the Panthers.

The team looked tired and worn down, trying their hardest since this team definitely knew what they were doing. They had their hair stuck to their foreheads, all breathing uneven.

Surprisingly, Taehyung wasn't doing bad at pitching. He had a few mistakes and messed up calls occasionally which really hurt from time to time but other than that, he was a decent pitcher.

No where near Jeongguk's liking, though.

     "Come on boys, get out there and hit every ball pitched to you. I want line drives, fast balls, make it hard for the guys out there! Don't let them beat you." Coach said, believing his team had a legitimate chance against this undefeated team. "Jeongguk, is there anything you would like to add?" Asked Coach.

The aforementioned was caught off guard but hummed in thought. "Well, just don't hurt yourself. It's not fun sitting out."

The team let out small chuckles, knowing the pitcher was only trying to lighten his situation with harmless jokes.

"Batter!" An umpire called out, Taehyung pulled on a helmet and picking up the bat. He was first since he was the captain, leaving the dugout and heading up to the plate.

He could hear his teammates cheer him on and wish him luck. He sucked in a deep breath, pulling the bat back over his left shoulder (since he was left handed).

The pitcher on the opposing team watched closely and looked at all the other players on his team, nodding his head.

He then turned his attention back to Taehyung, shooting the boy a wink and taking the baseball in his right hand. He whipped it at a fast speed, causing Taehyung to swing but miss the ball.

"Strike one!" The umpired yelled out, the Red Knights cheering in their positions.

Taehyung shook it off and pulled the bat back over his shoulder.

Soon, the ball was thrown again at even faster speeds and he missed once more. Taehyung was not ready to go back and hear Newbie tease him about this. He was trying his hardest, wanting to make it and get to first but not only was batting a weak spot of his, he was tired and sore.

The catcher for the opposing team got the baseball and tossed it back to the pitcher.

The rival players were laughing and uttering things under their breaths, poking fun at pitches they believed were easy to hit.

It was embarrassing but Taehyung wasn't done yet. He pulled his arm back for the third time, having two strikes to his name and only needing one more to get their first out.

The pitcher became a bit too cocky and threw the ball for the third time but Taehyung managed to hit it, swinging his bat and throwing the ball up in the air.

He dropped his bat and dashed down to first base, the ball not being caught and hitting the ground, making him safe.

Taehyung looked over and saw his teammates cheering for him with wide smiles and happy eyes.

Next was Hoseok up to bat, picking up Taehyung's bat and deciding to use it.

He went on the left side and brought the bat over his right shoulder, elbow out and eyes focused.

Taehyung saw the pitcher getting ready so he took this time to start leaving his base, making small side steps to get closer to second base.

The pitcher threw the ball and Hoseok and the elder was lucky enough to hit it first try, swinging his bat and hitting it out there.

With that, Taehyung made a run for it to second while Hoseok was dashing for first.

The second baseman got the ball after scooping it off the ground, running to get to Taehyung.

Taehyung went to slide to make sure he got second but the opposing player played dirty and slammed right into him, forcing Taehyung right to the ground.

Hoseok made it safe to first while the umpires gathered around Taehyung and the Red Knights' second baseman.

"Unsportsmanlike conduct!" One of the umpires called out, calling it on the Red Knight that aggressively tackled Taehyung like it was football.

This resulted in the player being sat out for the rest of the game and Taehyung ending on second base safely.

His side ached, however, knowing there would be a bruise somewhere from where the player hit him at. Taehyung would be able to hit the player out of the way if he were in the way but it didn't happen like that the other way around.

"Shake it off, Taehyung!" The aforementioned heard his teammates call out to him, seeing he was hit pretty hard off of second base unfairly.

The team would make a few players get taken out just to injure the opposing team. They were so mean and didn't play fair at all. A bunch of egotistical jocks with their heads so far up their own ass.

The next batter was up, Minji. He lined up the same way Hoseok did, appearing to be a bit nervous as he stood there with the bat pulled back.

Taehyung could make it to home if Minji hit this right but with the way the Red Knights were playing, something was bound to happen.

The team got too cocky and they were letting the Panthers get this far without an out.

The pitcher of the Red Knights had the baseball, scanning his surroundings to make sure the other two were on the bases.

He returned his attention the threw the baseball, having a great pitch. Minji didn't miss it, however. He decided to bunt the ball.

Bunting was when the batter didn't hit the ball but instead having the ball hit the bat, only falling and rolling rather than flying high like a pop up ball. Baseball tip for the readers.

Minji dropped the bat and sprinted through first, Hoseok safely making it to second while the pitcher was rushing to get the ball, scooping it up and whipping it at third base.

Taehyung was running as fast as he could, knowing he was the target of this play.

Third base missed the catch and it went over his head but not far off from the base. This gave Taehyung and every other base an opportunity.

Instead of stopping at third, Taehyung ran through third and was on his way to home base.

Hoseok and Minji were on the right track as well, running to the next bases.

Taehyung rushed as fast as his legs would take him, breathing heavy.

The catcher knew that third base wasn't going to make it in time so he stuck his foot out and tripped Taehyung who fell hard right into the dirt, hitting his knee on the plate which was as bad as hitting your elbow off of the doorframe, feeling the instant vibration of pins and needles. It was like he could feel the nerves being compressed by the plate and his bone.

He winced but he was safe, letting out a grunt as he pushed himself up with a limp.

Hoseok managed to third and Minji made it to second.

It was clear that the plan was no longer to beat Panthers but to injure main players like Taehyung and Hoseok. The captain and co-captain.

Taehyung walked to the dugout, gripping his knee as it throbbed.

Coach walked over and crouched in front of the new pitcher, looking up at him. "What's wrong? What happened?" He asked, seeing Taehyung was clearly in pain.

"T-They're hurting me, Coach." He said. "They're doing it on purpose."

Suwun had the ice ready from the medical director, handing it to Taehyung who placed it gently on his aching knee.

"I know they are, they want to get you out of here because you guys are beating them now but you can't let it get to you. Keep pushing." Coach told and stood to leave Taehyung's side.

The boy leaned back, picking up the squeeze bottle and squirting some water into his mouth to hydrate himself.

Jeongguk was staring for a moment at Taehyung, seeing how dirty his uniform was and his sweaty he looked. He seemed so tired and drained. These boys were tough and putting a number into the Panthers.

He sighed and looked away, shaking his head. Jeongguk wasn't going to say anything, knowing there was many, many, many insults he could shoot out but at what cost? Taehyung was being stomped on in the game, being bullied out there.

The least Jeongguk could do was bite his tongue and save his smart-ass remarks for when Taehyung got lippy first.

Jeongguk would let this be Kim's one favor, the only time Jeongguk would hold himself back from arguing or insulting the older.

     The Panthers ended up beating the Red Knights by five points, all players injured, extremely exhausted, or both.

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